We are a knitting group of about 30 members. We meet every Tuesday from 7.00 to 8.30 pm in the conference room within the management suite at the Glasgow Fort. We knit whilst having a coffee and a natter. New members are always warmly welcomed.Just press the buzzer and you will be let in.

Monday, 9 November 2009

Gillian - October Member of the Month

1. Tell us about yourself.

I am over 21 and I like a challenge. I like working with the public. I have worked in retail, trained as a secretary, hairdresser, cook and worked with animals. I have a close affinity to animals. I have two horses, a German Sheppard, a Russian Terrier and I will soon be getting a cat.

2. Where/how did you learn to knit?

M mum taught my brother and I when I was four. I didn't always have wool so used string to practise. Same with crochet. First thing I remember finishing was a bright orange teddy when I was five. I have been knitting on and off for years. When we moved to Ayrshire we got snowed in and only had 2 Icelandic jumpers mum had started. Ever since I have always had something on the pins.

3. What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the last baby shawl I did (photographed and blogged a while back). It turned out the best out of the six I have done and took the least amount of time to finish. Started in January and was finished by Easter. Biggest project was an Aran which I had to spin and knit. Took about four and a half months. I also knitted socks for Paul O'Grady

4. What was your biggest disaster?

A palm tree Jersey made by bought wool. The weight brought the length down and turned out I was allergic to the green dye.

5. What is your next challenge?

I have a Rowan book filled with throws. There are two designs done in brown and cream. It is 40 by 39 squares. I also plan to hand spin the yarn for it. It's a big job.

6. Favourites.

Favourite colours - green, cream and pink

Designers - Depends; Debbie Bliss, KaffeFassett but his are two time consuming

Pattern - I like most and have no real preference. I do likearans and shawls

shop - woolfest - it has pure wool can't buy in shops. I also get fleeces from there.

Online - I have never bought anything online. I am just getting into the Internet

Magazine - yarn forward/spin off - both are informative and technical

yarn - blue faced Lester and possum, alpaca, Shetland natural fibres

book - don't really have a favourite. I like a variety

product - my needles

7. Any tips for other knitters?

If you make a mistake just rip it out and start again. Don't get frustrated. Ask for help if you need it.